Something New, Old or In Between

As wonderful as it would be to find a universal design home, as described in my last post, the chances of that happening are slim to none. The concept is something that will hopefully become the norm in the near future; however, at this time, most of them are custom built—probably not going to be an option for us

So, the hunt is on for the next best thing; an existing house that will be suitable with a few minor modifications. Michael is in a wheelchair and does not stand at all. So, a suitable house means one that has most of the features of a universal design: level lot, open floor plan, no step entrance, wide hallways, and the biggie, a huge bathroom. If we can find something that already has all of this, some minor modification would mean widening of interior doors. Some of the ranch and traditional style houses built in the last five years or so actually fit most of this description. The hardest part to find is a bathroom that is big enough and with the right layout to accommodate the wheelchair. That too can usually be modified, but I am hoping to find something that is move-in ready. The last four years of our lives since the accident have been one major event after another.  Truthfully, if I don’t have to, I prefer not to take on any big projects for a while.

With that being said here is the next thing to consider. Should I purchase an older home or one that is brand new? Personally, I would much rather a house no one else has lived in, but I also want well-built, quality construction. And, there is some debate as to whether newer homes are built as well as older homes.

Older homes used real wood and plaster versus engineered wood and drywall found in newer homes. Some believe better craftsmanship is found in older homes. One realtor has told me that even the way the foundation is laid in older homes is better, which according to an article written in This Old House magazine“…keeps out moisture, insulates against the cold, and resists movement of the earth around it.” Tom Silva, the contractor for the show by the same names says the best foundations are poured concrete; not concrete blocks prone to leaks and cracks used by most contractors in the last 25 years.

If you’re a visual learner like me, check out this link with some great photos of old and new home foundations.
https://www.google.com/search?q=new+vs+old+home+foundation&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4AD FA_enUS488US488&prmd=imvnsfd&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=aNyPUJeeNsjA0QHn9YHYDw&sqi=2&ved=0CHYQsAQ&biw=1058&bih=496

It would seem then that whether new or old, good construction is dependent upon a good contractor. Either way has advantages and disadvantages. It also seems the decision to buy new or old is more about other things like having an old established neighborhood with mature landscaping or a group of people getting to know each other while they wait for the grass to grow; character or modern convenience; square footage that has more but smaller rooms or less but more spacious rooms.

I know which way I’m leaning, but I won’t close my mind to either until I have looked at a few. I’m meeting with both a realtor and a builder next week. Stay tuned.

References:

Max Alexander, This Old House magazine From the Ground Up: Foundations, A foundation is forever—how to do it right, http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1203559,00.html

Marilyn Lewis, Will your new home still be standing in 50 years? MSN Real Estate, http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/052307NeworOld.htm

Elizabeth Weintraub, Should a First-Time Home Buyer Buy New or Old? http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/052307NeworOld.htm

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If Not Now, When?

Thinking I would be in New York for a few weeks at the most, I left all my furniture, clothing, books, personal belongings and many precious memories back in Missouri. Four years later, I am not home yet, but all things going well…we are heading home soon.

After four years and a life-changing accident, many things have changed and home has a whole new meaning. Pre-accident, my son Michael left home after high school graduation. I became a single again woman on the go, and I might add going as I pleased.

Post-accident, the “I” has again become “we.” And my new normal has become advocating and caring for my recently brain injured and amputee adult son.  

When I left Missouri, it was sudden and without warning. Being totally unprepared, I feel I have become a bit of a vagabond in the process. I am not sure where home is anymore, but if home is where the heart is, as the saying goes, I am in the right place. I am so blessed to be able to care for Michael and so thankful to God for his life. Each day I get to see what a miracle looks like.

Choosing to care for Michael at home meant staying in New York indefinitely because relocating in his condition was not an option. He had been in the hospital four months and another 11 months in a nursing facility/rehab. He had come so far but still had a long way to go. I got a small apartment in the area. Finding a place with wheelchair accessibility proved to be quiet the feat, but I found one just in time to meet my goal of having him out of institutionalized life by Christmas. We moved into the apartment on December 1, 2009. We had nothing much, a couple of beds and a dining room table--but it was the best Christmas EVER!!!

Now with all the progress Michael has made, we can finally put down some stakes—yes, we are going to finally put some pictures on the wall, make a special place for his collection of baseball caps and settle in. But where—New York, Missouri….or somewhere else?

I’ve done some research and given it a lot of thought and prayer. Now it’s time to decide.
 

I am going to be presenting some information about housing needs for the disabled, posting some of the houses we are considering and maybe even asking you to vote. Then at the end of this class, I will reveal our new fully wheelchair-accessible home.

So stay tuned as we search out the next place we will call  home in our new normal life.